( 1 ) With abundant resources Ayeyawady Division has prospects of development All need to work hard to achieve development
Senior General Than Shwe gives guidance on development of Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 12 Aug- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe left here for Ayeyawady Division by car on 10 August morning.

The Senior General was accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers, the deputy minister for health, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department. The Senior General and party were welcomed at the border between Yangon Division and Ayeyawady Division by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and officials. The Senior General and party went to Pantanaw and inspected it.

The Senior General and party stopped for a while at the briefing hall of Pantanaw Bridge. In the afternoon, the Senior General and party proceeded to Pathein by car, and inspected the condition of roads and bridges, thriving paddy fields and jute fields and cultivation of teak trees and shady trees along the roads. On arrival at Pathein at 3 pm, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe, members of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council and division-level departmental officials.

The Senior General and party inspected the units and regiments in Pathein Station and development of Pathein by car yesterday morning. Next, they arrived at the Government Computer College in Pathein. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on facts about the college. Principal Daw Yadana Thein reported on the location and area of the college, the opening date of the college, courses being conducted and to be conducted and the strength of the staff. The commander reported on the area of the college and the condition of construction of new buildings. The Senior General gave guidance. Then, the Senior General and party went to the Government Technology College. Minister U Thaung reported on the opening of the college and courses being offered. Director-General of the Technical and Vocational Education Department U Ba Thein reported on the area of the college, progress of work in construction of buildings and efforts for development of human resources. The Senior General gave instructions and inspected the college.

The Senior General met with senior officers of South-West Command, members of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council, division-level departmental officials, chairmen and members of Township Peace and Development Councils in Pathein District and departmental officials. In his guidance, the Senior General said that Ayeyawady Division is making progress. Having natural resources in abundance, it has prospects of development in future. However, development cannot be achieved automatically, and all are to work hard. Only then will development be achieved. The government is to take the lead and lay down necessary plans.

The people, on their part, need to cooperate with the government and to work harder. In addition, the Tatmadaw, on its part, is required to carry out nation-building tasks. If the government, the people and the Tatmadaw make concerted efforts, the State which has already had favourable conditions will develop for sure. The nation is rich not only in land and marine resources but also in human resources, so there are favourable conditions which contribute greatly to the development of the nation. Human resources which are essential for progress of the nation are being developed in various regions by setting up universities and colleges.

If natural resources and human resources can be combined, the State will develop for certain. Ayeyawady Division has rivers and creeks in abundance, so the condition of transport is not good. As bridges have been built with manpower, natural barriers can now be overcome and transport has become easy and smooth. So, what is the most important is to work. Moreover, all are responsible for creating favourable conditions and leaving good legacy for posterity. Therefore, the government, the people and the Tatmadaw are to work in unity and harmony. In his report, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said that arrangements are being made to cultivate more paddy, jute and other monsoon crops in Ayeyawady Division than targeted. As work has been done in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, the GDP of Ayeyawady Division has increased. Efforts are being made for the development of the livestock breeding sector and the industrial sector as well as that of the agriculture sector.Efforts are being made to achieve the aims of the State by combining natural resources and human resources in Ayeyawady Division.

Then, the Secretary-3 said that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by officials, has come to Ayeyawady Division by car in spite of the bad weather to give guidance on development of transport, agriculture and human resources. The Head of State wants to develop not only Ayeyawady Division but also the whole Union including other states and divisions. Short-term economic plans are being implemented to promote the economic development of the nation. In implementing the first short-term four-year plan and the second short-term five-year plan, the government, the people and the Tatmadaw have cooperated in unity in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. More success has been achieved than expected.

Therefore, per capita income has risen and the people are enjoying the fruits of the plans. When the third short-term five-year plan which is now being implemented was being drawn, work was coordinated among states and divisions and respective districts and townships. Ministries concerned also did the same. At the central level, the plans drawn by states and divisions and the plans drawn by ministries were combined and the third short-term five-year plan has been approved. Ayeyawady Division has cultivable land in abundance, and the amount of crops produced in the division is also large. Therefore, Ayeyawady Division has contributed greatly to the development of the agriculture sector of the State. So efforts are to be made to increase agricultural production by five percent.

It is estimated that the population of the nation will increase by 2.2 percent per year. To ensure domestic sufficiency of rice and to export rice surpluses, summer paddy needs to be cultivated after monsoon paddy. At places where summer paddy cannot be grown, peas and beans are to be cultivated. Myanmar is the second largest country in the world in exporting peas and beans. Peas and beans have foreign market, and extension of cultivation of peas and beans will benefit not only growers but also the State. Similarly, clothes made of cotton have become popular, and the cotton market has become wider. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has designated some places as the cotton cultivation zones, and is providing assistance for cultivation of cotton. Plans are to be made to grow cotton in the north of Hinthada. With regard to the growing of jute, Ayeyawady Division is the best. So, cultivation of jute is to be extended.

After jute has been reaped, paddy is to be cultivated if possible. In the livestock breeding and fisheries sector, there are a lot of opportunities for off-shore and in-shore fishing, and fishery industries need to be developed. On the shore where paddy cannot be grown, fish and prawn breeding work is to be carried out, thereby promoting the development of the livestock breeding and fisheries sector. Therefore, all are required to work for the development of Ayeyawady Division by using land, marine and human resources effectively and beneficially. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on the condition of the agriculture sector of the State and development of agricultural production of Ayeyawady Division. Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on measures taken for the improvement of transport in Ayeyawady Division. Next, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha reported on progress of work in implementing economic plans of the State and economic development of Ayeyawady Division. The Senior General and party visited Shwemoathtaw Maha Pagoda in Pathein. The Senior General made cash donations to the fund of the pagoda and signed in the record book.

Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, who accompanied the Senior General, together with Vice-Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, members of the Central Organizing Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe and officials, met with the chairmen and members of Ayeyawady Division, Pathein District, Myaungmya District, Maubin District and Pyapon District War Veterans Organization Supervisory Committees and the chairmen and members of organizing committees from Pathein, Kangyidaunt, Thabaung, Kyaunggon, Yekyi, Kyonepyaw, Ngaputaw Townships in Pathein District and members of war veterans organizations at Ayeyawady Hall of South-West Command at 8.30 pm on 10 August.

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division War Veterans Organization Supervisory Committee Secretary of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Maung reported on the tasks being carried out by the supervisory committee. Then, the Secretary-3 made a speech. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Minister U Aung Thaung extended greetings. Then, the Secretary-3 had a cordial meeting with those present. Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung and CEC members U Aung Phone, Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and U Thaung, who accompanied the Senior General, met with Secretary of Ayeyawady Division USDA U Than Tun and executives, secretaries and executives of Pathein, Myaungmya, Maubin and Pyapon District USDAs at Ayeyawady Hall of South-West Command at 3 pm on 11 August.

CEC member U Aung Phone in charge of Ayeyawady Division made a speech. Secretary of Ayeyawady Division USDA U Than Tun reported on tasks of division, district and township USDAs. Secretary-General U Than Aung and CEC members U Thaung and Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein made speeches. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with directors-general and directors, inspected the glass factory in Pathein yesterday morning. The factory manager reported on facts about the factory. The minister gave instructions.

Then, the minister inspected production process of the factory. Afterwards, Minister U Aung Thaung inspected Win Thuza Shop in Myoma Market, Pathein. Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, together with Director-General of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Professor Dr Paing Soe, inspected Pathein Hospital on 10 August evening. The deputy minister also met with Head of Ayeyawady Division Health Department Dr Than Aung, Medical Superintendent Dr Khin Maung Tin, physicians and doctors and gave instructions.

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( 2 ) Eighth Waso robes offering ceremony of Myanmar Sri Lanka Rama Kyaungtaik held

Yangon, 12 Aug- The eighth Waso robes offering ceremony of Myanmar Sri Lanka Rama Kyaungtaik was held at the Kyaungtaik in Natchaung Ward in Tamway Township this morning.

Present were members of the Sangha led by the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Myanmar Sri Lanka Rama Kyaungtaik, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Daw Khin Cho Oo, wife of Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, wife of member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, wives of Deputy Prime Ministers, the ministers and their wives, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of Board of Trustees of the Kyaungtaik, disciples and wellwishers.

The congregation received the Eight Precepts from State Ovadacariya Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Myanmar Sri Lanka Yama Kyaungtaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Naninda. Members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented Waso robes and offertories to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Myanmar Sri Lanka Yama Kyaungtaik. Daw Mya Mya San presented Waso robes and offertories to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw. Next, the Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented Waso robes and offertories to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw. Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Cho Oo, wife of the commander, wives of Deputy Prime Ministers, the ministers and wellwishers presented Waso robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Naninda delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

After the ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and wellwishers offered "soon" to the members of the Sangha. An opening ceremony of Maha Tibumika Kyaungdaw of Myanmar Sri Lanka Rama Kyaungtaik was held. It was attended by the Secretary-1, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and wellwishers. Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Patron of Myanmar Sri Lanka Rama Kyaungtaik Thirithadhamma Manijotadhara title recipient U Kyaw Min formally opened the three-storey Maha Tibumika Kyaungdaw. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the Kyaungdaw.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 accepts cash donation for Maha Wizayakari Kyaung

Yangon, 12 Aug- The second cash presenting ceremony for five-storey Maha Wizayakari Kyaung of Maha Dhammikayon Pariyatti Sarthintaik (Kyaikpi Monastery) in Yankin Township was held at the Sarthintaik here this afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, members of Board of Trustees of the Sarthintaik and donors. The Secretary-1 and the congregation received the Five Precepts from Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Ganthaaka Pandita Sayadaw Siri Bhaddanta Gunesana.

Then, cash was donated for the building. U San Tin and family of Shin Saw Pu Street in Sangyoung Township donated K 1 million, U Than Htut-Daw Cho Cho family of Maggin Street, Kyaukgon in Yankin Township K 650,000, U Hla Maw-Daw Hla Hla Than of Thamadi Street, Kyaukgon K 500,000, U Aung Than Myint-Daw Khin Yee of Myakantha-2 Street in Kamayut Township K 500,000, Captain U Htin Kyaw-Daw Kyi Mya of Phoyaza Street, Kyaukgon K 400,000, Managing Director Daw Myint Myint Sein of ES4E K 400,000, U Kyi Win-Daw Than Shein and Ko Myint Soe-Ma San San Aye of Maggin Street, Kyaukgon K 300,000 each, U Thein Maung-Daw Soe Tint of Kyaung Street, Kyaukgon K 300,000, Maung Thein Moe, Maung Nyi Nyi Lwin, Ma Tin Tin Moe, Maung Zaw Win Thein and Maung Nyein Chan Aung K 300,000, U Jonathan Kyaw Thaung family K 300,000, Captain U Maung Ohn-Daw Sanda Oo family of Konmyinttha in Mayangon Township K 300,000, Director-General of Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Myint Thein-Daw Khin May Nyunt K 100,000 to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt who accepted the donation and presented certificates of honours to the donors.

U Than Htay-Daw Yee Yee Win family donated K 250,000, in memory of late mother Daw Mya Win K 200,000, U Khin Maung Thaung-Daw Khin Thaung Nwe family K 180,000, Daw Hla Myint family K 150,000, U Khin Maung Lwin-Dr Daw Mya Sanda Kyaw family K 100,000, Dr Khin Maung Htwe-Daw Khin Khin Mar family, U Myo Myint-Daw Khin Swe family, U Han Tun Aung-Daw San San Myint family, U Myo Thura-Daw Thin Thin Aye family and U Myint Soe-Daw Ni Ni Mar Family K 100,000 each, (U Aye Maung)-Daw Aye Thein K 150,000, Mr Francis-Saw Mi Mi Kyaw family, Rector Dr Soe Win-Professor Daw May Saw Lwin family, U Win Than-Daw Saw Myint family, U Kyaw Zaw-Daw Aye Shwe Tha family, U Hla Myint-Daw Tin Nwe family, Daw Hla Myint, Daw Kyi Kyi, Daw Yee Yee, Daw Khin Khin and family, U Kyaw Khin-Daw Khin Yee (Myo Nyunt- Jewellery) family, U Win Swe-Daw May Kyu Ohn family, U Ba Han-Daw Khin Aye family, U Ohn Myint-Daw Si Mar Win family, U Khin Han-Daw Thein Thein Soe family, U Htun Myint-Daw Khin Lay Win family, Daw Nwe Nwe Tin family, trainees of Timber Trading and Management Course 1/2001 of Ministry of Forestry and U Shwe Baw family, family of monastery donor Daw Kyi Win family, U Soe Win-Daw Pa Pa Win family and U Khin Maung Htwe-Daw Hla Hla Win family K 100,000 each to deputy ministers who accepted the donation and presented certificates of honour to the donors.

Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha GanthaŤaka Pandita Siri Bhaddanta Gunesana delivered sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

New building of No 2 BEMS handed over to No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City)

Yangon, 12 Aug- A ceremony to hand over a new building of No 2 Basic Education Middle School, Botahtaung Township and other seven new buildings to No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City) was held at the new building of No 2 BEMS this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. These buildings were built under the Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme of Japan.

Also present were the ministers, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the headmistress of No 2 BEMS, Botahtaung Township, teachers, members of School Board of the Trustees, members of the Parent-Teacher Association, wellwishers, students and guests. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and Patron of School Board of Trustees Col Maw Thein and Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori formally opened the new building. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the two-storey school. Then he inspected the computer application room, the computer aided instruction room and the interactive learning room.

The Japanese Ambassador reported on the purpose of the donation of the school. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung said under the Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme of Japan, 10 basic education schools were presented to the Ministry of Education in 1998-99 academic year, 10 schools in 1999-2000 and seven schools in 2000-2001. The two-storey building was furnished with school furniture. He said education promotion programmes are being implemented and students are also being trained with the use of computers to ensure all-round development and to reach international level of education. He said the government is making arrangements for all school-age children to enrol and to complete primary education. He expressed thanks for donation of the buildings. The Japanese Ambassador presented documents related to the buildings to Director-General of No 3 Basic Education Department U Tin Win. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung presented gifts to the Japanese Ambassador.

The Secretary-1 accepted K 300,000 donated by the Office of the Commander-in Chief (Navy) to the funds of the school, K 200,000 by Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters, K 100,000 by Navy Shipyards Headquarters, K 640,000 by Defence Services Intelligence, K 1 million by Chairman of All Myanmar Tamil-Hindu Foundation U Zaw Zaw Naing and party, K 150,000 by Major Moe Aung-Dr Aye Khaing Nyunt, K 200,000 by U Khin Maung Htoo and 1 million by Chairman of Dagon International Co. Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe accepted K 165,250 donated by Major Maung Maung Khin-Daw Myat Pwint Phyu, K 120,000 by U Aung Thein Htut, K 100,000 by U Yu Lwin, K 100,000 by WO Kyaw Win (Navy) and family, K 60,000 by U Khin Maung Lat of Tong Tah Co, K 50,000 by vocalist U Sit Hlaing and K 50,000 by U Win Shwe-Daw Aye Aye Yi. OK Brothers Co Ltd presented K 150,000 for school uniforms of teachers to Headmistress Daw Khin Mar Kyu.

The Japanese Ambassador presented a basket of flowers to the students who gave performance. The Secretary-1 posed for a souvenir photo together with teachers, members of the school board of trustees and students.

( 4 ) Thegon Bridge inaugurated in Kyaunggon Township

Yangon, 12 Aug- The inauguration of Thegon Bridge was held at the Mingala Mandat near the bridge in Kyaunggon Township, Pathein District in Ayeyawady Division yesterday.

Present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein, officials of Public Works, members of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, chairmen of Pathein District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, senior engineers and service personnel, local people and guests numbering 5,000. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said Ayeyawady Division is a delta region and has plenty of rivers, streams.

Therefore travelling relied in waterway in the past. Under the State Peace and Development Council Government built roads and bridges across the rivers one after another. Now people in the division can travel by land, he said. He said the Thekon Bridge linking Kyaunggon Township and Kangyidaunk Township on Yangon-Pathein Road was opened today and it was an auspicious day for Ayeyawady Division. He quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying that only when there is better transport in the entire nation will social, education, economic and health sectors develop and become a modern nation. Roads and bridges including the Thekon Bridge were built the length and the breath of the nation with added momentum. By doing so and Ayeyawady Division has gained benefits.

There are now 400 miles of tar roads, 600 miles of gravel roads and 300 miles of earth roads. The commander said 14 bridges have been constructed and four bridges are under construction in the division. He called for maintenance of roads and bridges for durability and making efforts for the interests of the region and the State. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun said the Ministry of Construction is building roads and bridges in various parts of the country for smooth transportation in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

The Thekon Bridge was built in 10 months, he said. He said the government has built bridges which are 180 feet and above since 1988 and it is the 132th one. It was built at a cost of over K 155 million, he added. Secretary of Kyaunggon Township Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thein Tun spoke words of thanks. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann presented gifts to senior engineer U Myint Thein of Pathein District Public Works. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. The commander, the minister and party posed souvenir photo in front of the bridge. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally unveiled the stone plaque of the bridge. The bridge is 300 feet long and 28 feet wide. The clearance is 51 feet wide and four feet high and the reinforced concrete bridge can withstand 60 tons of load.

Minister inspects communication services in Bago

Yangon, 12 Aug- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected communication services in Bago Division yesterday. The minister, together with officials from Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, arrived at DaikU Auto Exchange and inspected installation of machines and gave instructions.

The minister then met with the townselders at Nyaunglaybin and Kyauktada towns and discussed matters related to the setting up of auto exchange system. The minister also inspected Pengwegon microwave station where officials reported on the condition of machines. After giving instructions there, the minister inspected Phyu auto exchange. The minister met with Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye and discussed matters related to installation of microwave communication system and extension of auto exchange system for better communication in the division. Afterwards, the minister inspected Taungoo Auto Exchange and Microwave Station and heard the reports on plans for installation of digital exchange system by the officials. The minister arrived back here in the evening.

( 5 ) Minister inspects rail roads

Yangon, 12 Aug- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin and officials, inspected the railroad along Taunggyi-Shwenyaung-Kalaw section on 10 August. In the evening, the minister met the staff at Kalaw Station and urged them to render assistance to the people for convient travelling, to treat the travellers politely and to stay away from bribery and misconduct. The minister also inspected the railroad from Kalaw to Yinmabin and gave instructions yesterday.

( 6 ) Cambodian Deputy C-in-C concludes visit

Yangon,12 Aug- A Cambodian delegation led by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Army of Cambodia Lt-Gen Kun Kim left here for home by air this morning. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Director of Military Training Brig-Gen Aung Kyi and senior military officers, Cambodian Ambassador Mr Nim Chantara and officials of the embassy.

( 7 )  Laotian and Thai ministers visit Tachilek

Yangon, 12 Aug- At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Somsavad Lengsavad of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai paid a one-day visit to Tachilek on 10 August. The ministers arrived at Tachilek-Maesai border checkpoint at the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge by car at 11.45 am. The visiting ministers and their parties were warmly welcomed there by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung.

The three ministers had documentary photos taken. The visiting ministers, accompanied by senior officials, went there after the Thai-Lao Joint Commission meeting held in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Minister U Win Aung hosted lunch in honour of the visiting ministers at the Regina Hotel and Golf Club in Tachilek. The ministers then visited interesting places there. The Myanmar Minister saw the visitors off at the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge at 3.30 pm.

( 8 )  MWVO provides cash assistance to war veterans in Shan State (North)

Yangon, 12 Aug- A ceremony to present cash assistance to war veterans of over 75 and above and disabled war veterans by the Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee was held at the hall of North-East Command yesterday afternoon, with an address by Patron of the Shan State (North) War Veterans Organization member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

Also present on the occasion were member of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, senior officials from the command, member of state/district WVO supervisory committees, members of division/district/township USDAs, Women's Affairs Committee, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Red Cross Society, members of WVO and invited guests. Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo delivered an address. The Commander, Minister Col Tin Hlaing and Secretary Lt-Col Win Han of Shan State Peace and Development Council presented K 5.4 million to 100 war veterans aged 75 and above, disabled war veterans and outstanding children of the members of WVO in Shan State (North). On behalf of them, member of Lashio Township War Veterans Organization Captain Aung Moe Kyi (Retd) spoke words of thanks.